The Nigerian Senate has distanced itself from the arrest warrant issued against former NNPCL Group Chief Executive, Mele Kyari, stressing that the directive came from the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and not from the Senate as a whole.
The clarification followed public controversy after the committee ordered Kyari’s arrest over his failure to appear before lawmakers investigating alleged ₦210 trillion discrepancies in NNPCL’s audited accounts between 2017 and 2023.
The Senate also rebuked Senator Adams Oshiomhole over remarks in which he reportedly described NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves.” Senate leadership said such comments were personal opinions and did not represent the position of the Red Chamber.
The controversy stems from an ongoing probe into audit queries involving more than ₦210 trillion in NNPCL financial records. While some lawmakers insist former officials must explain the discrepancies, former NNPCL CFO Umar Ajiya has argued that the figure is inconsistent with the company’s reported revenues and does not represent missing cash.
Kyari, who is reportedly receiving medical treatment abroad, has expressed shock at the warrant, saying he previously informed the committee of his absence and remains willing to appear before lawmakers when he returns to Nigeria.
The Senate investigation into NNPCL’s finances is continuing, and no court has determined that any funds were stolen or misappropriated. The probe remains focused on obtaining explanations for the audited figures and accounting entries under review.
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